It was eight o’clock.

He got out of his car and began up the steps. Clearing his throat, he straightened and exhaled, and then he promptly knocked on the brown door. Three knocks, evenly executed.

He could hear a rustle before the knob turned and she appeared, flushed and nervous. She brushed the hair out of her eyes and smiled at him. Five seconds. It took her five seconds to unlock the door to welcome him in.

Stepping in, he grinned and behind his back he revealed a stemmed flower for her. One red rose to make her eyes glow, and she shyly grinned back.

A pink blush stole across her face as she took it and found a vase with water for it. She grabbed her purse and bade her parents a temporary goodbye. They nodded gently and repeated the midnight curfew. Four hours. She was due home in four hours.

She silently closed the door and the two walked together towards the car, arm-in-arm. Twenty. Twenty steps to reach the car, for him to politely open the door for her so he can drive them to the restaurant.

They ate, laughing and talking throughout their three-course meal. He offered his lasagna and she shared her prime rib. Taken to criticizing the food, they jokingly rated each plate but in the end left a hefty tip on the end of the table. Three dollars more than the normal tips servers should usually receive – five dollars more than the servers usually expect.

He drove them to the park to view the moonlight and reminisced about their childhood memories. She pounced on the swings and pumped her legs, and he slid down the slide with his hands waving in the air.

From his car’s trunk he took out a large blanket. The two set the blanket down on the grass beside the playground and lay there to gaze at the stars. Twelve constellations found, including the Big Dipper.

They both sighed and looked at each other silently. Neither can stop time. He took her home in his warm car and walked her to her door. It was five till twelve.

Punctuality. He was taught well by his mother.

They stood for a while at her door. Twisting her hands, she thanked him for the night. He winked and thanked her for her company. At last they fell to a silence.

Two minutes till twelve.

Her hand slowly reached for the door. She turned to face him once more, smiling oddly while she thanked him again. He gave a slight frown and gently pulled her hand away and held it.

One. The first of many kisses.

She blushed and headed in, her eyes twinkling. He turned away with a smile and touched his lips.

It was twelve. She made it on time.